The Feb. 7, 1950 photo caption read: City Engineer R. W. Finke, left, gives go-ahead, and power shovel digs first scoop of dirt preparatory for construction of first unit of Alaskan Way Viadcut near Western Avenue and Battery Street. less

The Feb. 7, 1950 photo caption read: City Engineer R. W. Finke, left, gives go-ahead, and power shovel digs first scoop of dirt preparatory for construction of first unit of Alaskan Way Viadcut near Western ... more

Construction of the Alaskan Way Viaduct, April 26, 1951. Photo-760376.6842 - seattlepi.com

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The May 1951 photo caption read: There's a real big show underway along the waterfront where the Alaskan Way Viaduct is being constructed, and these two 5-story-high cranes straddle railway switching tracks.

The May 1951 photo caption read: There's a real big show underway along the waterfront where the Alaskan Way Viaduct is being constructed, and these two 5-story-high cranes straddle railway switching tracks.

The March 1952 photo caption read: Looking north along the viaduct near Lenora Street where the lower deck carrying southbound traffic edges under the top northbound deck. Note the beauty that the giant concrete supports add to the viaduct. less

The March 1952 photo caption read: Looking north along the viaduct near Lenora Street where the lower deck carrying southbound traffic edges under the top northbound deck. Note the beauty that the giant ... more

Photo: P-I File

The March 1952 photo caption read: Looking north along the viaduct... Photo-760432.6842 - seattlepi.com

The April 4, 1953 photo caption read: Seafair Queen Iris Adams and Mayor Allan Pomeroy had something to laugh about Saturday as they bent every effort to cut the ribbon to open the Alaskan Way Viaduct.

The April 4, 1953 photo caption read: Seafair Queen Iris Adams and Mayor Allan Pomeroy had something to laugh about Saturday as they bent every effort to cut the ribbon to open the Alaskan Way Viaduct.

The Oct. 5, 1953 photo caption read: This view of new subway south toward The Post-Intelligencer building shows retaining walls under construction on each side, the north portal of Battery Street subway and extent of excavation. less

The Oct. 5, 1953 photo caption read: This view of new subway south toward The Post-Intelligencer building shows retaining walls under construction on each side, the north portal of Battery Street subway and ... more

The December 1956 photo caption read: Stretching southward in this view is the partially completed addition to the Alaskan Way Viaduct which will extend from the end of the present viaduct to Holgate Street.

The December 1956 photo caption read: Stretching southward in this view is the partially completed addition to the Alaskan Way Viaduct which will extend from the end of the present viaduct to Holgate Street.

The southern portion of the Alaskan Way Viaduct in the 1950s with the Smith Tower at upper left. Exact date unknown.

The southern portion of the Alaskan Way Viaduct in the 1950s with the Smith Tower at upper left. Exact date unknown.

Photo: P-I File

The southern portion of the Alaskan Way Viaduct in the 1950s with... Photo-760315.6842 - seattlepi.com

Image 35 of 87

The Feb. 17, 1959 caption reads: This is the scene where Olaf Edward Holman was killed yesterday while working on the Alaskan Way Viaduct.

The Feb. 17, 1959 caption reads: This is the scene where Olaf Edward Holman was killed yesterday while working on the Alaskan Way Viaduct.

Photo: P-I File

The Feb. 17, 1959 caption reads: This is the scene where Olaf... Photo-760328.6842 - seattlepi.com

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The Sept. 1959 photo caption read: Seafair Queen Diane Gray applies the scissors with gusto yesterday at a ribbon-cutting ceremony opening the Spokane Street extension of the Alaskan Way Viaduct. [Former Gov. Al Rosellini and then-Mayor Gordon Clinton are on the left and right, respectively.] less

Scott McCleary, 54, lived in his car under the Viaduct on Christmas Day, 2005.

Scott McCleary, 54, lived in his car under the Viaduct on Christmas Day, 2005.

Photo: P-I File

Scott McCleary, 54, lived in his car under the Viaduct on Christmas... Photo-760416.6842 - seattlepi.com

Image 66 of 87

Construction workers, Sean Christy, left center in pit, John Ipsen, center in pit, and Paul Micenko, right, work the concrete on a new column foundation on the Alaskan Way Viaduct, April 14, 2008. The effort was the final phase of work to strengthen the column foundations between Columbia Street and Yesler Way. less

Construction workers, Sean Christy, left center in pit, John Ipsen, center in pit, and Paul Micenko, right, work the concrete on a new column foundation on the Alaskan Way Viaduct, April 14, 2008. The effort ... more

Gov. Chris Gregoire uses a chart while Seattle Mayor Greg Nickles and King County Executive Ron Sims listen to options for replacing the Alaskan Way Viaduct during an Olympia news conference, March 14, 2007. That month, Seattle voters didn't favor a tunnel or an elevated replacement for the existing viaduct, complicating an already messy struggle between city and state leaders. The struggle continues. less

Gov. Chris Gregoire uses a chart while Seattle Mayor Greg Nickles and King County Executive Ron Sims listen to options for replacing the Alaskan Way Viaduct during an Olympia news conference, March 14, 2007. ... more

An Alaskan Way Viaduct support column at South Washington Street leans outward and is secured with metal straps, April 1, 2001.

An Alaskan Way Viaduct support column at South Washington Street leans outward and is secured with metal straps, April 1, 2001.

Photo: P-I File

An Alaskan Way Viaduct support column at South Washington Street... Photo-760318.6842 - seattlepi.com

Image 84 of 87

The Alaskan Way Viaduct as seen going west down Columbia Street, March 21, 2002.

The Alaskan Way Viaduct as seen going west down Columbia Street, March 21, 2002.

Photo: P-I File

The Alaskan Way Viaduct as seen going west down Columbia Street,... Photo-760319.6842 - seattlepi.com

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The October 2009 photo caption read: Members of the Seattle City Council and Washington state legislators applaud as Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels and Gov. Chris Gregoire sign a memorandum to replace the waterfront viaduct. A deep-bored tunnel is planned to replace the aging structure, a central issue in Seattle's upcoming mayoral election. Nickels, who was defeated in the primary, said some issues are worth losing an election over. "This is one of them," he said. less

The October 2009 photo caption read: Members of the Seattle City Council and Washington state legislators applaud as Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels and Gov. Chris Gregoire sign a memorandum to replace the ... more

Photo: P-I File

The October 2009 photo caption read: Members of the Seattle City... Photo-760609.6842 - seattlepi.com

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The Alaskan Way Viaduct is shown during a biannual inspection on Oct. 24, 2009.

The Alaskan Way Viaduct is shown during a biannual inspection on Oct. 24, 2009.

Photo: P-I File

The Alaskan Way Viaduct is shown during a biannual inspection on... Photo-760603.6842 - seattlepi.com